Harry Potter Beer Pairings: Matching Characters With Craft Brews

I take books pretty seriously. You almost have to when you’re an MFA student. And, while I try not to hold some books higher than others, Harry Potter might just be the exception. My 10th grade Geometry teacher sent me to the hall because I wouldn’t stop reading it. I dragged my wife to the theatre on our honeymoon so I could see the last movie on opening night. And, I come up with some pretty stellar costumes:

(Golden Snitch for the win.)

So, when I heard that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was coming out, I pretty much leapt out of my seat. And, since the main crew is grown up in this one, I started thinking, “What beers would Harry and friends drink?” After going through what they did while trying to get through wizarding school, I wouldn’t blame them for knocking back a craft beer or two.

So, without further ado, here’s what I came up with:

Harry Potter: It’s Complicated Being a Wizard, Burlington Beer Company

From start to finish, Harry’s life is never easy. He loses his parents to Voldemort, lives in a closet, and has to deal with everything from saving his godfather to enduring a smear campaign from the Ministry or Magic and eventually taking down Voldemort (who, you know, is about as powerful as they get). All while just trying to grow up and get through school.

That being said, Burlington’s Double IPA pairs perfectly with Harry’s wild life (and not just because of its awesome name). Like Harry’s win over Voldemort, ICBaW is a bright, strong beer. It boasts a powerful blend of citrus flavors that complement the hoppy characteristics well, and, at 7.5% ABV, it packs enough of a punch to help you relax after a hard day’s work at the Ministry of Magic.

Hermione Granger: Dos Perros, Yazoo Brewing Company

Hermione’s the smartest character in this series. Period. She makes the polyjuice potion in Chamber of Secrets, discovers that Lupin is a werewolf in Prisoner of Azkaban, and even helps destroy the horcruxes in Deathly Hallows. She’s tough, she always stands up for herself, and she’s a tried-and-true problem-solver.

While Yazoo Brewing Company isn’t deciphering The Tales of Beetle the Bard, head brewer Linus Hall did some problem-solving of his own when he came up with Dos Perros, a brown ale. According to Yazoo’s tour guides (who are great, by the way), Dos Perros came about after Linus’s sister asked him to brew a dark beer for her outdoor summer wedding in Mississippi. With this is mind, Linus used his beer savviness to take note from Mexican brewers and lighten it up.

While Linus might not be earning an O.W.L. for his work on this beer, he’s created a great one nonetheless. Clocking in at 3.5% ABV, it’s light in body with a toasty caramel taste, making it an easy drink.

Ron Weasley: 9 Irish Brothers Red, People’s Brewing Company

Oh, Ron.

Whenever I think of Harry’s best friend, I think of how he stumbles his way through his feelings for Hermione. From screwing up inviting her to the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire to steeping in jealousy over her relationship with Viktor Krum, Ron stumbles his way through the series in in a hilarious (albeit immature) way. This isn’t to suggest that he never grows up. In Deathly Hallows, he grows by leaps and bounds, getting the girl and helping win the Battle of Hogwarts (RIP Fred) along the way. Simply put, he’s a lovable dude.

Named for a family as big as Ron’s, People’s 9 Irish Red has that sweetness that eventually helps Ron win Hermione’s heart. With a mix of caramel and toffee flavors, this ale is moderately hoppy, though smooth and complex. And, while not as delicious as a box of chocolate cauldrons, it’s a great treat to crack open and enjoy.

Of course, this is just a small sample of who you’ll come across in the Harry Potter series. There are also a ton of other great beers that fit these characters, so don’t hesitate to kick back with your favorite brew when you crack open Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Cheers!